In the deep midwinter

I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape - the loneliness of it, the dead feeling of winter.  Something waits beneath it, the whole story doesn't show.  ~Andrew Wyeth

Very exciting news

Winter Trees HH 2010

I have had a really exciting year, growing into myself creatively and building a fledgling business.  I feel really well placed for moving into 2011 with the confidence to build a successful business.  In recognition of this I have just been awarded Associate Membership of  Design Factory.  I'm looking forward to using all their expertise in supporting creative businesses.  I am feeling very proud of myself!

Keep warm and see you next year.

Etsy

I've joined the wonderful world of Etsy and opened a shop. Now I just have to stop myself from buying all the lovely things I keep coming across!

Family portrait commission

I've just finished this commission, which was well received. I'm pleased with the colouring and sense of space.  It's only small, 12 x 17 cm.  I've got one more commission to do before Christmas.

Enjoy the Solstice......the sun is on its way back!

Merry Chickens

I'm a bit Bah Humbug about Christmas and feel that all the good stuff gets outweighed by all the bad stuff (see? Bah Humbug!).  I've arrived at a place where I dread the middle of winter.

But!  My faith has been restored by a family visit to the Christmas Tree Trail at Calke Abbey.  Magical and spiritual, it was lovely to commune at dusk with lots of folk and walk up the hill by candle light to the decorated chapel.  Faith restored, I'm quite looking forward to celebrating the Solstice next week, followed by a family Christmas.

The chickens have brought us much happiness since they arrived six weeks ago.  Each and every egg reminds me of the miracle of life.

To share this joy, instead of Christmas cards, we have bought a chicken from Oxfam Unwrapped, that will be part of a project in Haiti to provide food and a way out of poverty.

So......MERRY CHICKENS TO YOU AND YOURS!

Heather Duncan

Yesterday I was introduced to the work of Heather Duncan.  I went to Derby Royal Hospital to find out more about participating in their dynamic exhibition program air arts. Hopefully, I will be taking part next year.

New Art Courses

In the new year, David will be running some new art evening courses at Chilwell School, Nottingham.  Bringing together elements from his teaching on BA Fine Art at Nottingham University, FE teaching and adult education, these courses offer artists and beginners the opportunity to develop their creative skills in a sociable and informal setting. Interested?  Get in touch!

One cold evening

One cold evening last week, I decided to decorate a cupboard. I've been meaning to have a go for a while, inspired by the Omega group at Charleston, who decorated furniture and door panels.  I didn't plan, just got stuck in and had a lot of fun!  It's a work in progress.

The cupboard houses our record player and I sat there enjoying JJ Cale, Nina Simone, Gordon Lightfoot and the beautiful, never fails to get me singing, Simon & Garfunkel.

Chloe Cheese

Anyone out East should check out the Chloe Cheese exhibition at St.Judes's Gallery in Itteringham.

How exciting!

Derbyshire is covered in a lovely blanket of snow.  School is closed and we've been out with a flask of soup and a good old fashioned toboggan to see the deer at Wollaton Park.

Whilst I was out I nearly sold out of coasters in my Folksy shop!  It's going to take me a week to make some more.....so please be patient.

Hope it's snowy and beautiful where you are.  We've just lit the stove and have a bag of chestnuts to roast.  The boys are playing with lego and looking forward to snuggling up with books and a hot chocolate.  I've just got the box of winter books out that I store in the cupboard the rest of the year. 'Poppy Cat's Snowy Day' and 'Oliver's Red Toboggan' are favourites.  Sometimes the world of Soulemama seems a million miles from the chaotic roller coaster of our daily lives, but right now I could give her a run for her money!

Something I wanted to share was this.  Such beautiful piano music....perfect for watching the snow fall.